Moving day can be busy, but getting your home properly prepared beforehand can make a big difference. A little organisation can help your removal team work more efficiently, reduce delays and make the whole process feel much more manageable.
From completing your packing and clearing access routes to preparing furniture and setting aside your essentials, there are several simple jobs you can take care of before the removal team arrives.
At Lincs Removals, we know that every move is different. Whether you're moving locally in Bourne, Stamford, Spalding or Peterborough, or relocating further afield, being prepared can help make moving day run as smoothly as possible.
Here are our essential tips for getting your home ready for the removal team.
1. Finish Your Packing Before Moving Day
Unless you've booked a professional packing service, aim to have everything packed before the removal team arrives.
Make sure:
- Boxes are securely sealed with good-quality packing tape.
- Boxes aren't excessively heavy.
- Every box is clearly labelled.
- Labels show the destination room and a brief description of the contents.
- Fragile items are clearly marked.
Avoid leaving loose belongings around the house, as these can easily get misplaced or slow down the moving process.
2. Have a Clear-Out Before You Move
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to get rid of things you no longer use or need.
Donate, sell, recycle or responsibly dispose of unwanted belongings before moving day.
The fewer items you have to move, the more straightforward the process can be. It can also mean less time spent unpacking and organising your new home.
3. Keep Your Essentials With You
Prepare a bag or box containing everything you'll need during the journey and immediately after arriving at your new home.
This could include:
- Important documents
- Medication
- Phone chargers
- House keys
- Wallet and valuables
- Toiletries
- A change of clothes
- Snacks and water
Keep this with you rather than putting it in the removal vehicle, so you can access it easily whenever you need it.
4. Keep Valuables and Important Items Safe
Where possible, take valuable, irreplaceable or particularly personal belongings with you.
This might include:
- Jewellery
- Passports
- Laptops
- Cash
- Important documents
- Family heirlooms
Clearly identify fragile items and tell the removal team about anything that requires additional care or attention.
5. Get Your Furniture Ready
Make the removal team's job easier by preparing furniture in advance where appropriate.
For example:
- Disconnect electrical equipment and keep cables together.
- Remove shelves from furniture where necessary.
- Empty drawers and cupboards.
- Secure or remove loose components.
- Keep screws and fittings in labelled bags.
If you're unsure whether something needs dismantling, speak to your removal team beforehand.
6. Make Access Easy
Clear pathways through your home before the team arrives.
Make sure:
- Hallways and stairs are free from clutter.
- Doorways are clear.
- Rugs and other potential trip hazards are removed.
- Outdoor paths are accessible.
- A suitable parking space is available for the removal vehicle.
If parking is restricted, arrange any necessary permits in advance. It can also be helpful to let neighbours know about your moving day if the removal vehicle may temporarily affect access.
7. Check Your Utilities
Before leaving your old property, take a few minutes to complete your final checks.
Remember to:
- Take gas, electricity and water meter readings.
- Turn off appliances.
- Check cupboards and drawers.
- Look in the loft, garage, shed and other storage areas.
- Check behind doors and furniture.
- Close and lock all windows and doors.
It's surprisingly easy to leave something behind when you're concentrating on the move.
8. Keep Children and Pets Safe
Moving day can be noisy and unpredictable, with people carrying furniture and boxes in and out of the property.
For their safety and to reduce stress, consider arranging childcare or pet care for the day. Alternatively, keep children and pets in a secure, quiet area away from the main moving activity.
9. Talk to Your Removal Team
Before the move gets underway, make sure your removal team knows about anything that could affect the day.
Tell them about:
- Fragile or particularly valuable belongings
- Heavy or awkward furniture
- Parking restrictions
- Narrow entrances or hallways
- Stairs or lifts
- Any difficult access
- Items requiring special handling
Good communication before the team starts can help avoid surprises and keep everything moving efficiently.
Moving Day Checklist
Use this quick checklist before the removal team arrives:
- Everything is packed and labelled
- Essential bag is set aside
- Valuables and important documents are with you
- Furniture is emptied and ready
- Hallways, stairs and doorways are clear
- Parking has been arranged
- Children and pets are safely cared for
- Meter readings have been taken
- Final cupboards, drawers, loft and garage checks completed
- Removal team has been informed of any access issues
Make Moving Day Easier With Lincs Removals
A little preparation can make a significant difference to how smoothly your move goes. By getting your home organised before the removal team arrives, you can help minimise delays and make it easier for your belongings to be loaded and transported safely.
If you'd rather leave some of the preparation to the professionals, Lincs Removals also offers professional packing and home removal services across Bourne, Stamford, Spalding, Peterborough and throughout Lincolnshire.